Staff

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Dr. Thompson has been involved in education and ministry for over 25 years. She comes here from Colorado and holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Colorado in Elementary Education with Honors. Her subsequent studies were at Mississippi University for Women where she received her M.S. in Elementary Education/Academically Gifted Education with Honors. She continued her graduate studies and received her Ph.D. from Pensacola Christian College, where she researched, developed, and implemented field studies across the United States with her academically gifted curriculum. Her postdoctoral studies were in Bible through Liberty University. Her background includes serving as the principal of two Christian schools, administrator, leadership training, teacher in preschool, elementary, middle school, and high school, special needs teacher for one year, test administrator, testing and educational consultant, academically gifted teacher, curriculum development for preschool through high school, led educational courses at Association of Christian School International conferences in Alaska and Texas, taught Philosophy of Education for credit classes, placement counselor, published author with Association of Christian Schools International, helped lead a school in Anchorage, Alaska to accreditation, authored family home group devotional study guides, designed and created an interactive Biblical worldview curriculum for students, and served as the children’s program director for curriculum and development for a church of 1600. Dr. Thompson is passionate about seeing children develop academically, mentally, physically, and spiritually. She promotes a Christ honoring engaging environment and an academically solid curriculum, where students are in an interactive, positive learning environment. Her heart’s desire is to see students change into active, interactional learners who are seeking to grow in their faith and relationships with others. She is highly relational and the best part of her day is to interact with the students, teachers, and the parents. She believes parents provide the foundation for the students and their positive input to their children is life changing. Her philosophy is that The Oaks School is here to come alongside families to help children become the person that God has created them to be. 

Hi, my name is Mckenzey Thompson. I am so excited to be a part of your children’s life this school year. I am from Monument, Colorado, where I spent a lot of my time teaching in children’s ministry, developing curriculum, and investing in the community. I will graduate from Auburn University in August 2018, where I will receive my B.S. in Kinesiology in the School of Education. I have extensive training in medical education after working for Accent for Independence in Denver, Colorado. I am a certified tennis instructor, as well as a Black Belt. I love fitness, going on hikes, spending time at the beach, and being outdoors soaking up God’s beautiful creation. I look forward to meeting you all.

Hi, my name is Ashley Jeffares. I am so glad to be a part of The Oaks’ first year! I am from Reeltown, AL, where I graduated from high school in 2002. I attended Southern Union with a scholarship and then transferred to Troy University main campus where I received my B.S. in K-6 Elementary and Collaborative Education. I returned to Troy after my teaching career began and received my M.S. in K-6 Elementary Education. I taught at Beauregard Elementary for the past 11 years, teaching all subjects in 3rd grade. My husband, Tony, and I have been married for ten years. The Lord has blessed us with three beautiful, little girls, Kelsi (7), Klaira (4), and Kendall (8 months). I love reading, going to the lake or the beach, and just being outdoors in general. I am so thrilled to have the opportunity to teach your children this year as we grow academically and spiritually together!

Whitney Nichols graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education in Mathematics in 2001. She has over 10 years of teaching experience. She will be using her math skills to help our 3rd and 4th grade students master key math skills at this important age. She also loves music and theater and will bring a fun atmosphere for all subjects in 3rd and 4th grade. She recently returned to Auburn where she lives with her husband, Corey and two boys, Braxton and Parker. Whitney loves all things Disney, cheering on the Auburn Tigers, and, singing and playing the guitar at church. Whitney is thrilled about the opportunity to be a part of the excitement as The Oaks opens its doors.

Diane Yockachonis graduated Cum Laude from Auburn University in the School of Education back in 2000. She then married her husband Rick soon after and had their son in 2006. They decided to homeschool before he was even born and began teaching private classes ranging from the topics of Sign Language, French, and Anatomy. They have homeschooled their son from the beginning and have greatly anticipated the start of The Oaks School. Diane and her husband own and operate Mafia’s Ristorante in downtown Opelika.

My name is Addie Hill, and I'm so excited to be a part of The Oaks School! I'm from Jasper, AL where I graduated from Walker High School in 1997.  I attended Auburn University and graduated magna cum laude with a B.S. in secondary education, English and Spanish in 2001. I taught Language Arts at Drake Middle School from 2002 to 2011.  My husband, Brandon, and I have been married for fourteen years and have three amazing children, Holden (10), Scarlett (6) and Wylder (4). I love running, oil painting,and reading. I look forward to exploring, learning, and growing in Christ with your children this year!

My name is Hanna Geisler, and I am so excited to be a part of The Oaks’ first year! I am originally from Cincinnati, OH but moved down to Alabama to attend Auburn University, where I will be graduating with my Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology in the Fall.

I have been involved in inclusion programs for children with special needs, and through that have learned the impact that pouring into our kids at an early age can have. I became involved in ministry through the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at Auburn University and have since become involved in high school FCA as well. I feel incredibly blessed to be able to grow in Christ with your children as we learn together!

Hello, my name is Ann Moore. I graduated from Auburn University with a Bachelor of Civil Engineering and a Master of Science in Civil Engineering. My husband David and I have been married for almost 20 years. We are blessed with two wonderful children (Brittany and Brendon). We have been a homeschooling family for 10 years. I have taught at Lakeview Christian School and at Inspire Homeschool Community. Our favorite family pastime is vacation, with Disney at the top of the list. We have 3 dogs, 2 cats and 6 chickens. I love science and that it reinforces God’s perfect design for our world. I am excited for the opportunity to be part of The Oaks School and helping your children learn and grow.

Lindsay holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Kennesaw State University and has been tutoring and teaching students of all ages since 2009. Her primary focus has been helping college students rebuild foundational math skills, as well as confidence in the subject, and is looking forward to helping younger students develop these skills earlier in their educational journey. Lindsay’s professional experience includes teaching and tutoring non-traditional and traditional college students at Kennesaw State University, Southern Union State Community College and Chattahoochee Valley Community College; developing and writing content meeting Georgia state standards for textbooks (k-12); managing and training a team of 15 tutors (chemistry, engineering, mathematics and physics) at Kennesaw State University’s SMART Center; developing curriculum for the tutor training program at Kennesaw State University’s SMART Center. Lindsay believes that every individual holds a love for math somewhere inside, it just takes a little exploring! Lindsay and her husband, Derrick, currently live in Valley, Alabama with their 2 dogs, Isaac and Cooper. Outside of her love for teaching mathematics, Lindsay enjoys spending time with family and friends, supporting her Atlanta Braves and creating DIY projects at home.

After graduating from Auburn High School in 2000, Justin served four years in the United States Marine Corps as an infantryman and water survival instructor.  Over the following four years, he worked as a professional ballroom dancer while earning his B.S. in Social Science Education through the University of Central Florida.  Justin taught high school for seven years in Clermont, Florida with classes ranging from U.S. and World History to A.P. Human Geography.  He also was assistant coach for the swim team and sponsor of the East Ridge High School Salsa Club.  When not teaching or dancing, he spends time with his wife Martine and three young boys:  Corban, Seamus, and Atticus.  Justin is thrilled to have the opportunity to openly proclaim God's love in the classroom, to teach History through the lens of a Christian worldview, and to celebrate the successes of students as they tackle the lessons learned from previous generations.